• I've noticed that some of my dress shoes have small notches cut out of one corner of the heel. What's up with that?

  - Craig, Louisville, KY



• Sometimes known as a "gentleman's notch" or "gentleman's corner," it's a practice some shoemakers employ to prevent your heel from getting caught on or snagging your pants' cuffs. They're often found more on American-made shoes, as cuffed trousers with a fuller break were common in the States historically. Today, the notches may not be as needed, but still signify a well-made pair of shoes.

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